Seattle has had some great crazy ideas lately, from glass cubes on the Space Needle to workspace bubbles by Amazon.
With Amazon's biosphere plan up for another review next month, here's a look at Seattle's best mad-genius* ideas, from those that transformed the city to those that thankfully died. (Floating stadium, anyone?) less

Seattle has had some great crazy ideas lately, from glass cubes on the Space Needle to workspace bubbles by Amazon.
With Amazon's biosphere plan up for another review next month, here's a look at Seattle's ... more

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In May, <a href='http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Amazon-s-crazy-new-workspace-for-Seattle-4536324.php'><b>Amazon proposed three bubbles (biospheres)</b></a> for its new South Lake Union campus, to give
employees a ''park-like'' and ''plant-rich'' setting. Or offices that look like giant snow globes. less

In May, <a href='http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Amazon-s-crazy-new-workspace-for-Seattle-4536324.php'><b>Amazon proposed three bubbles (biospheres)</b></a> for its new South Lake Union campus, to give ... more

Photo: NBBJ, via Amazon and Seattle Design Review Board

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Amazon's plan, which calls for lots of open space, is scheduled for its second design review in August. Said the company:
''The curvilinear form sets it apart from its immediate surroundings, and consciously avoids the look of a typical corporate office building.'' less

Amazon's plan, which calls for lots of open space, is scheduled for its second design review in August. Said the company:
''The curvilinear form sets it apart from its immediate surroundings, and ... more

Photo: NBBJ via Amazon, Seattle Design Review Board

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Another look at Amazon's proposed greenhouse-like biospheres.

Another look at Amazon's proposed greenhouse-like biospheres.

Photo: NBBJ, via Amazon, Seattle Design Review Board

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Here's an idea that never made it: An <b>underwater tunnel in Union Bay</b>.
Proposed in 1961, it was part of the R.H. Thomson Expressway that was never built. The view is from Laurelhurst looking south. less

Here's an idea that never made it: An <b>underwater tunnel in Union Bay</b>.
Proposed in 1961, it was part of the R.H. Thomson Expressway that was never built. The view is from Laurelhurst looking ... more

Photo: Seattle Muncipal Archives

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<b>Floating stadium:</b> Another idea that fizzled. King County officials actually supported this 1963 plan, which called for a floating pro-sports, retractable-roof stadium on Elliott Bay. You could get there by ferry, rail, bus, seaplane and monorail, the designers envisioned.
The wackiness died, and instead we got the … less

<b>Floating stadium:</b> Another idea that fizzled. King County officials actually supported this 1963 plan, which called for a floating pro-sports, retractable-roof stadium on Elliott Bay. You could get there ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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... Kingdome in 1976. (Construction photo from 1975).

... Kingdome in 1976. (Construction photo from 1975).

Photo: P-I file

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<b>Space Needle glass cubes:</b> This idea - for three viewing cubes on the Needle's halo 500 feet in the air - was pitched last year. But things have since gone dormant. (Space Needle reps did not return requests for comment). less

<b>Space Needle glass cubes:</b> This idea - for three viewing cubes on the Needle's halo 500 feet in the air - was pitched last year. But things have since gone dormant. (Space Needle reps did not return ... more

Would this have been cool in Seattle? Here's a viewing cube in Chicago's Willis Tower, installed in 2009 at 1,353 feet off the ground.

Would this have been cool in Seattle? Here's a viewing cube in Chicago's Willis Tower, installed in 2009 at 1,353 feet off the ground.

Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images

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Then a crazy waterfront idea: To turn this longtime, contaminated, industrial stretch along Elliott Bay into something green, pretty and public.
This is what the <b>Olympic Sculpture Park</b> site looked like for decades, when it was a fuel dock. Photo: P-I File, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, Museum of History & Industry. less

Then a crazy waterfront idea: To turn this longtime, contaminated, industrial stretch along Elliott Bay into something green, pretty and public.
This is what the <b>Olympic Sculpture Park</b> site looked ... more

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In 1999, the Seattle Art Museum raised $16.5 million to buy the nine-acre industrial site from oil company Unocal. Then it opened the now world-famous Olympic Sculpture Park in 2007.

In 1999, the Seattle Art Museum raised $16.5 million to buy the nine-acre industrial site from oil company Unocal. Then it opened the now world-famous Olympic Sculpture Park in 2007.

Photo: Paul Joseph Brown / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Before the Olympic Sculpture Park opened.

Before the Olympic Sculpture Park opened.

Photo: Photo: ALAN ABRAMOWITZ

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After the Olympic Sculpture Park opened in 2007.

After the Olympic Sculpture Park opened in 2007.

Photo: PHOTO: SOUNDVIEW AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

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Can you guess what this is? Hint: This thing is 65 feet high.

Can you guess what this is? Hint: This thing is 65 feet high.

Photo: SCOTT EKLUND

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It's the climbing pinnacle at the <b>REI's flagship Seattle store</b>. When it opened in 1996, it was hailed for its eco-nerdery, bike-testing trail and Northwest beauty. But it had one goofy idea that didn't last (see last photo). less

It's the climbing pinnacle at the <b>REI's flagship Seattle store</b>. When it opened in 1996, it was hailed for its eco-nerdery, bike-testing trail and Northwest beauty. But it had one goofy idea that didn't ... more

Photo: ROBIN LAYTON / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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This idea for a <b>hanging tube of a monorail</b> was proposed in 1958 for the World's Fair, and rejected.

This idea for a <b>hanging tube of a monorail</b> was proposed in 1958 for the World's Fair, and rejected.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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So was this 1958 idea for a people-mover on Westlake Ave. called the ''<b>Carveyor</b>.'' It was envisioned to go to Interbay and turn around in a merry-go-round-looking terminal. less

So was this 1958 idea for a people-mover on Westlake Ave. called the ''<b>Carveyor</b>.'' It was envisioned to go to Interbay and turn around in a merry-go-round-looking ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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The then-futuristic monorail design that was chosen for the 1962 World's Fair.

The then-futuristic monorail design that was chosen for the 1962 World's Fair.

Photo: Jorg Greuel / Getty Images

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Speaking of people movers: Here's what Ballard might have looked like, if the embattled <b>Green Line monorail</b> had succeeded. The plan – originally for a 14-mile, West Seatte-to-Ballard line - died in 2005, after financing problems surfaced. Taxpayers paid nearly $125 million for a project that never happened.
(Image from 2003). less

Speaking of people movers: Here's what Ballard might have looked like, if the embattled <b>Green Line monorail</b> had succeeded. The plan – originally for a 14-mile, West Seatte-to-Ballard line - died in ... more

Photo: P-I file

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No, not a layer cake gone punk. Here's people ogling the model for the <b>Central Library</b> in 1999, years before Rem Koolhaas' mad-hatter masterpiece opened in downtown Seattle.

No, not a layer cake gone punk. Here's people ogling the model for the <b>Central Library</b> in 1999, years before Rem Koolhaas' mad-hatter masterpiece opened in downtown Seattle.

Photo: Dan DeLong / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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The Central Library, which opened in 2004.

The Central Library, which opened in 2004.

Photo: Ron Wurzer / Getty Images

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The interior of Seattle's Central Library is as stunning and weird as its exterior.

The interior of Seattle's Central Library is as stunning and weird as its exterior.

Photo: PAUL JOSEPH BROWN / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Before Vulcan and Amazon transformed South Lake Union with offices and condos, there was Paul Allen's vision in '90s of a giant urban park called the ''<b>Seattle Commons</b>.'' Supporters dreamed of NYC's Central Park in Seattle; opponents worried Allen would just get richer. less

Before Vulcan and Amazon transformed South Lake Union with offices and condos, there was Paul Allen's vision in '90s of a giant urban park called the ''<b>Seattle Commons</b>.'' Supporters dreamed of NYC's ... more

Photo: P-I file

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What South Lake Union might have looked like had voters approved Seattle Commons. Instead, they killed it twice, the last time in 1996.
(Image is from 1995).

What South Lake Union might have looked like had voters approved Seattle Commons. Instead, they killed it twice, the last time in 1996.
(Image is from 1995).

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What if Seattle's famous ''<b>ramps to nowhere</b>'' had gone somewhere? These dead-end ramps in the Arboretum were part of the R.H. Thomson Expressway, which, had it been fully built, would have looked like … less

What if Seattle's famous ''<b>ramps to nowhere</b>'' had gone somewhere? These dead-end ramps in the Arboretum were part of the R.H. Thomson Expressway, which, had it been fully built, would have looked like ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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...this. Pictured is the proposed Arboretum interchange in 1960 for the thwarted <b>R.H. Thomson Expressway</b>.

...this. Pictured is the proposed Arboretum interchange in 1960 for the thwarted <b>R.H. Thomson Expressway</b>.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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Another sketch of the R.H. Thomson Expressway, scrapped in 1971, after neighborhood outcry. Pictured is the planned Madison Street interchange, which would have ruined the Central District.

Another sketch of the R.H. Thomson Expressway, scrapped in 1971, after neighborhood outcry. Pictured is the planned Madison Street interchange, which would have ruined the Central District.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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Good thing the R.H. Thomson freeway never went through. Where would summer swimmers jump from in the Arboretum?
But Seattle's <a href='http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/520-ramps-to-nowhere-to-be-demolished-4221870.php'>ramps to nowhere will be torn down</a> by 2016, as part of an major improvement project. less

Good thing the R.H. Thomson freeway never went through. Where would summer swimmers jump from in the Arboretum?
But Seattle's <a ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Seattlepi.com

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Any guesses what this crazy thing ended up becoming?

Any guesses what this crazy thing ended up becoming?

Photo: PAUL JOSEPH BROWN / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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The <b>EMP Museum</b>, designed by Frank Gehry.

The <b>EMP Museum</b>, designed by Frank Gehry.

Photo: PAUL JOSEPH BROWN

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This grim-looking model called for <b>high-rises at the Pike Place Market</b>, as part of a 1968 urban renewal plan. Or, as Flickr user <a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/fnarf/'>fnarf</a> described it: ''Pretty interesting architecture, actually, in a Death Star kind of way.'' less

This grim-looking model called for <b>high-rises at the Pike Place Market</b>, as part of a 1968 urban renewal plan. Or, as Flickr user <a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/fnarf/'>fnarf</a> described it: ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flic

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Pike Place Market today.

Pike Place Market today.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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This 1970 design for a <b>waterfront park</b> in Seattle could have been the inspiration for ...

This 1970 design for a <b>waterfront park</b> in Seattle could have been the inspiration for ...

A 1960 proposal for a <b>swimming pool at Golden Gardens</b>. Would have been cool.

A 1960 proposal for a <b>swimming pool at Golden Gardens</b>. Would have been cool.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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<b>Seattle Center jelly bean</b>: This concept emerged in a 2012 contest for dreamy ideas for when Memorial Stadium is demolished. The <a href='http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2012/03/13/seattle-center-makeover-giant-bubbles-floating-jelly-bean/'>floating ''jelly bean''</a> was envisioned as a cloud that manufactures fog, rain, shade and light. It didn't win. less

<b>Seattle Center jelly bean</b>: This concept emerged in a 2012 contest for dreamy ideas for when Memorial Stadium is demolished. The <a ... more

Photo: PRAUD | Seattle Center /

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Memorial Stadium today, slated for demolition sometime in the future. That will open up nine acres of public space.

Memorial Stadium today, slated for demolition sometime in the future. That will open up nine acres of public space.

Photo: SCOTT EKLUND / SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER

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<b>Seward Park-to-Mercer Island bridge</b>: Before there was the I-90 floating bridge, there was this 1927 proposal for a bridge or underwater tunnel. Imagine the traffic in 300-acre Seward Park.

<b>Seward Park-to-Mercer Island bridge</b>: Before there was the I-90 floating bridge, there was this 1927 proposal for a bridge or underwater tunnel. Imagine the traffic in 300-acre Seward Park.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, Flickr

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Last best crackpot idea in Seattle: The <b>REI rain shower</b>, which was a way to test raingear. It was a fun, nifty feature when the flagship store opened in 1996. But it was silly and didn't last long. less

Last best crackpot idea in Seattle: The <b>REI rain shower</b>, which was a way to test raingear. It was a fun, nifty feature when the flagship store opened in 1996. But it was silly and didn't last ... more

Photo: ELLEN M. BANNER / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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The 20 best crackpot ideas in Seattle

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Back to Gallery

When the “ramps to nowhere” disappear in a few years, the skeletal remains of the failed R.H. Thomson Expressway (one of the above “crackpot”* ideas) will join this list of favorite things we miss in Seattle (which originally appeared here):

A few of our favorite things that were once part of Seattle's culture and landscape. What do you miss? Tell us below.

A few of our favorite things that were once part of Seattle's culture and landscape. What do you miss? Tell us below.

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<b>The Harvard Exit</b>: For decades, it was a great place to catch an indie or foreign movie, and gab about it in the theater's old-timey lobby, pictured in 1972. The theater is scheduled to close in January of 2015. We'll miss it when it's gone. Photo: P-I file. less

<b>The Harvard Exit</b>: For decades, it was a great place to catch an indie or foreign movie, and gab about it in the theater's old-timey lobby, pictured in 1972. The theater is scheduled to close in January ... more

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This will soon be a thing of the past: Sitting in front of the fireplace at the Harvard Exit theater. Movie goers also used to eat free snacks in the 1920s lobby, read newspapers and do jigsaw puzzles while waiting for their movie to start. Photo: 1972, P-I file. less

This will soon be a thing of the past: Sitting in front of the fireplace at the Harvard Exit theater. Movie goers also used to eat free snacks in the 1920s lobby, read newspapers and do jigsaw puzzles while ... more

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<b>Paseo sandwiches:</b> Seattle's popular sandwich place in Fremont (and Ballard) abruptly closed in November of 2014, leaving fans without their beloved pork sandwiches.

<b>Paseo sandwiches:</b> Seattle's popular sandwich place in Fremont (and Ballard) abruptly closed in November of 2014, leaving fans without their beloved pork sandwiches.

Photo: DAN DELONG

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An employee places a padlock on Paseo restaurant in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood on Nov. 11, 2014 after the popular sandwich shop closed. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com)

An employee places a padlock on Paseo restaurant in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood on Nov. 11, 2014 after the popular sandwich shop closed. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com)

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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<b>Lincoln Towing’s pink “Toe Truck”</b>: This famous landmark greeted drivers at Fairview Avenue North and Mercer Street outside Lincoln's tow yard for decades, until it retired to MOHAI in 2005. Pictured is the farewell parade, with the landmark's "left foot" behind its newer right-foot partner in front. less

<b>Lincoln Towing’s pink “Toe Truck”</b>: This famous landmark greeted drivers at Fairview Avenue North and Mercer Street outside Lincoln's tow yard for decades, until it retired to MOHAI in 2005. ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Neon coffee sign</b>: Pike Place Market lost part of this famous view in February of 2013, when Seattle's Best Coffee closed after nearly 30 years in the market. With it went the neon coffee mug, which helped bring Seattle's icons - coffee, fish, Puget Sound - into one single, gorgeous view. (Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magnetbox/2923961374/">magnetbox, Flickr</a>). less

<b>Neon coffee sign</b>: Pike Place Market lost part of this famous view in February of 2013, when Seattle's Best Coffee closed after nearly 30 years in the market. With it went the neon coffee mug, which ... more

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<b>Seattle’s “Ramps to Nowhere”</b>: They began as remnants of a government plan gone bad. But more than 50 years later, they became a quirky, defining part of Seattle’s landscape. Demolition of the structures began in late 2014. Joshua Trujillo / P-I file. less

<b>Seattle’s “Ramps to Nowhere”</b>: They began as remnants of a government plan gone bad. But more than 50 years later, they became a quirky, defining part of Seattle’s landscape. Demolition of the ... more

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<b>Sunset Bowl in Ballard</b>: A big piece of the neighborhood died when this place closed in 2008. It had just hit its 50th anniversary.

<b>Sunset Bowl in Ballard</b>: A big piece of the neighborhood died when this place closed in 2008. It had just hit its 50th anniversary.

<b>"Get Jesse"</b>: Consumer reporter Jesse Jones left KING/5 in August of 2014 for a job at KIRO/7. But due to his KING/5 contract, he won't be on air until April of 2015. In the meantime, we miss his smart, distinctive presence on TV. less

<b>"Get Jesse"</b>: Consumer reporter Jesse Jones left KING/5 in August of 2014 for a job at KIRO/7. But due to his KING/5 contract, he won't be on air until April of 2015. In the meantime, we miss his smart, ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com

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<b>Waterfront streetcar</b>: This 1.6-mile line was a fun, vintage-y way to get to Mariners games, if you didn't mind the tourists. It was shelved in 2005 to make way for the Olympic Sculpture Park. less

<b>Waterfront streetcar</b>: This 1.6-mile line was a fun, vintage-y way to get to Mariners games, if you didn't mind the tourists. It was shelved in 2005 to make way for the Olympic Sculpture ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

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<b>Lusty Lady</b>: A fixture for nearly 30 years, the downtown peep show was famous not just for its exotic dancers but its witty, naughty, always-topical marquee. It closed in 2010.

<b>Lusty Lady</b>: A fixture for nearly 30 years, the downtown peep show was famous not just for its exotic dancers but its witty, naughty, always-topical marquee. It closed in 2010.

Photo: Chas Redmond, Creative Commons Flickr

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<b>Rainier Beer commercials:</b> The Rainier "R" returned to its perch above I-5 after a long absence, which was nice. But does anyone remember the old Rainier Beer commercials? The frogs and beer crossings? (P-I file photo: 1974). less

<b>Rainier Beer commercials:</b> The Rainier "R" returned to its perch above I-5 after a long absence, which was nice. But does anyone remember the old Rainier Beer commercials? The frogs and beer crossings? ... more

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<b>Fun Forest</b>: A relic of the 1962 World's Fair, it was originally called the ''Gayway.'' It closed in 2010 after losing money for years; the space is now the Chihuly exhibit. less

<b>Fun Forest</b>: A relic of the 1962 World's Fair, it was originally called the ''Gayway.'' It closed in 2010 after losing money for years; the space is now the Chihuly ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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<b>Flight to Mars</b>: This ride was long gone by the time the Fun Forest died, having left in 1996 to make room for the Experience Music Project. Its dark, campy-scary ride was a measure of bravery for generations of kids. less

<b>Flight to Mars</b>: This ride was long gone by the time the Fun Forest died, having left in 1996 to make room for the Experience Music Project. Its dark, campy-scary ride was a measure of bravery for ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

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<b>Aqua Dive Swim & Fitness Club</b>: Many northend Seattleites learned to swim in this old-school Lake City pool, built before pools had fun things like enclosed water slides and "lazy rivers." The building was demolished in late 2014, years after the pool closed. Photo: <a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/lakecity/2006/07/23/cooling-off-in-lake-city/">Ericka, Outer limits: The Lake City blog, seattlepi.com</a>. less

<b>Aqua Dive Swim & Fitness Club</b>: Many northend Seattleites learned to swim in this old-school Lake City pool, built before pools had fun things like enclosed water slides and "lazy rivers." The building ... more

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<b>Jean Enersen's newscasts:</b> After delivering the news to local viewers for 24 years, Enersen stepped down from the KING/5 evening anchor desk in June of 2014. (Photo from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8G3f6lKRQw">1979 broadcast uploaded by Shocccker on YouTube</a>). less

<b>Jean Enersen's newscasts:</b> After delivering the news to local viewers for 24 years, Enersen stepped down from the KING/5 evening anchor desk in June of 2014. (Photo from <a ... more

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Jean Enersen on her last night as KING's regular evening anchor on June 13, 2014. Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

Jean Enersen on her last night as KING's regular evening anchor on June 13, 2014. Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Also miss: <b>KOMO/4 news anchors Kathi Goertzen and Dan Lewis</b>. Goertzen died in 2012 after a battle with recurring brain tumors. Lewis retired in May of 2014. They're pictured going over a script for a May 17, 1991 news broadcast. Photo: P-I file. less

Also miss: <b>KOMO/4 news anchors Kathi Goertzen and Dan Lewis</b>. Goertzen died in 2012 after a battle with recurring brain tumors. Lewis retired in May of 2014. They're pictured going over a script for a ... more

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Former longtime KOMO/4 news anchor Kathi Goertzen. Photo: KOMO

Former longtime KOMO/4 news anchor Kathi Goertzen. Photo: KOMO

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KOMO/4 news anchor Dan Lewis retired on May 21, 2014, after anchoring KOMO's newscast for 27 years. He's pictured tearing up on his last day of work at KOMO. Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

KOMO/4 news anchor Dan Lewis retired on May 21, 2014, after anchoring KOMO's newscast for 27 years. He's pictured tearing up on his last day of work at KOMO. Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

<b>Sonics, part 2</b>: Maybe we don't miss all years of the Sonics. How about just the 1979 NBA championship, and the thrilling '90s with Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton.

<b>Sonics, part 2</b>: Maybe we don't miss all years of the Sonics. How about just the 1979 NBA championship, and the thrilling '90s with Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton.

Photo: seattlepi.com file

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<b>Chubby & Tubby</b>: This quirky variety store was the best place for Converse sneakers, Levi's 501s, wrenches, plates, and of course $5 Christmas trees. The stores closed in 2003.

<b>Chubby & Tubby</b>: This quirky variety store was the best place for Converse sneakers, Levi's 501s, wrenches, plates, and of course $5 Christmas trees. The stores closed in 2003.

Photo: Dan DeLong / Seattle Post-Intellligencer

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<b>Cascade neighborhood:</b> When this area was called "Cascade," it felt humble and down to earth. Then it became South Lake Union.
Photo: Cascade P-Patch, 2003.

<b>Cascade neighborhood:</b> When this area was called "Cascade," it felt humble and down to earth. Then it became South Lake Union.
Photo: Cascade P-Patch, 2003.

Photo: JIM BRYANT

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<b>Washington Energy blue flame </b>: An icon from the '60s, this thing was 25 feet high and blazed with 600 bulbs. And it rotated. It crowned the South Lake Union building of Washington Energy (now Puget Sound Energy) until 2001. less

<b>Washington Energy blue flame </b>: An icon from the '60s, this thing was 25 feet high and blazed with 600 bulbs. And it rotated. It crowned the South Lake Union building of Washington Energy (now Puget ... more

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<b>Kingdome</b>: It was an ugly, echoing, tomb-like cavern, but also home to nearly 25 years of sports, concerts and fun. It was demolished in 2000.

<b>Kingdome</b>: It was an ugly, echoing, tomb-like cavern, but also home to nearly 25 years of sports, concerts and fun. It was demolished in 2000.

Photo: SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER

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It's Bill ''The Beerman'' Scott in the Kingdome during a 1979 Sonics game.

It's Bill ''The Beerman'' Scott in the Kingdome during a 1979 Sonics game.

Photo: Kerry Coughlin / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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11. <b>''Food Giant'' sign</b>: It sat atop the Wallingford grocery's roof in neon red for 40 years. When QFC bought the store in the late '90s, neighbors had grown so fond of the sign that QFC agreed to re-use some of the letters in today's ''Wallingford'' sign. less

11. <b>''Food Giant'' sign</b>: It sat atop the Wallingford grocery's roof in neon red for 40 years. When QFC bought the store in the late '90s, neighbors had grown so fond of the sign that QFC agreed to ... more

Photo: rutlo, Creative Commons Flickr

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<b>Leilani Lanes</b>: Before sister alley Sunset Bowl got the ax, this tiki-themed Greenwood institution went dark in 2006, after nearly 50 years. This giant bowling pin was part of its sign.

<b>Leilani Lanes</b>: Before sister alley Sunset Bowl got the ax, this tiki-themed Greenwood institution went dark in 2006, after nearly 50 years. This giant bowling pin was part of its sign.

Photo: Karen Ducey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Night exhibit at the Woodland Park Zoo</b>: This fascinating peek into the nocturnal world of sloths, armadillos and fruit bats (pictured) was closed in a 2010 a cost-saving move.

<b>Night exhibit at the Woodland Park Zoo</b>: This fascinating peek into the nocturnal world of sloths, armadillos and fruit bats (pictured) was closed in a 2010 a cost-saving move.

Photo: Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo

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<b>Barnes & Noble at U Village:</b> The superstore helped kill many indie bookstores, before Amazon and economics brought on its own demise. The store was a weclomed antidote to upscale yoga pants and make-up. Photo: Oct. of 2011, shortly before the store closed. Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com less

<b>Barnes & Noble at U Village:</b> The superstore helped kill many indie bookstores, before Amazon and economics brought on its own demise. The store was a weclomed antidote to upscale yoga pants and make-up. ... more

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<b>Old Ballard</b>: There was a moment when Ballard was no longer dull and not yet stuffed with condos, bars and hipsters. That <i>moment</i> is the old Ballard we miss. (But maybe not as ''old'' as this 2008 scene at the former Ballard branch of now-defunct WaMu). less

<b>Old Ballard</b>: There was a moment when Ballard was no longer dull and not yet stuffed with condos, bars and hipsters. That <i>moment</i> is the old Ballard we miss. (But maybe not as ''old'' as this 2008 ... more

Photo: Dan DeLong / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Elliott Bay Book Co. in Pioneer Square</b>: It was the heart of the hood for 30-plus years, until it moved to Capitol Hill in 2010. The new space is beautiful, but the old EBB embodied a time when Pioneer Square brimmed with art walks, print and promise. (Old space is pictured in 1999). less

<b>Elliott Bay Book Co. in Pioneer Square</b>: It was the heart of the hood for 30-plus years, until it moved to Capitol Hill in 2010. The new space is beautiful, but the old EBB embodied a time when Pioneer ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intellilgencer archive

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<b>Sunny Jim Peanut Butter sign</b>. The large rooftop sign on the Sunny Jim factory on Airport Way South was a recognizable landmark for drivers on Interstate 5. Fire destroyed the sign in 1997.

<b>Sunny Jim Peanut Butter sign</b>. The large rooftop sign on the Sunny Jim factory on Airport Way South was a recognizable landmark for drivers on Interstate 5. Fire destroyed the sign in 1997.

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Mariners in 1995</b>: When the team had that magical post-season run and the whole '90s crew was exciting to watch.

<b>Mariners in 1995</b>: When the team had that magical post-season run and the whole '90s crew was exciting to watch.

Photo: Robin Layton / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Summer Nights at the Pier</b>: These concert series showed off Seattle's splendor, with great views of downtown, Elliott Bay and the Olympics. But the site - Piers 62 and 63 – began to age and the concerts moved to South Lake Union in 2005. Then they stopped. less

<b>Summer Nights at the Pier</b>: These concert series showed off Seattle's splendor, with great views of downtown, Elliott Bay and the Olympics. But the site - Piers 62 and 63 – began to age and the ... more

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<b>Kalakala</b>: By the time this art deco ferry arrived here in the late '90s, it was smelly, rusty and unseaworthy. But for a few years, it was the stuff of dreams, in which fans rallied for a restoration of its 1930s glory. It never happened; the Kalakala was sold and towed off Lake Union in 2003. less

<b>Kalakala</b>: By the time this art deco ferry arrived here in the late '90s, it was smelly, rusty and unseaworthy. But for a few years, it was the stuff of dreams, in which fans rallied for a restoration of ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>The Bon Marche</b>: When ''the Bon'' became Macy's in 2005, Seattle took a small step toward cookie-cutter citydom.

<b>The Bon Marche</b>: When ''the Bon'' became Macy's in 2005, Seattle took a small step toward cookie-cutter citydom.

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Squirrelman</b>: Dave Csaky lived in a big treehouse in Eastlake, off the grid and welcomed by neighbors. His home was pioneer grit in a sea of condos. Then the city evicted the so-called 'Squirrelman'' in 2008. less

<b>Squirrelman</b>: Dave Csaky lived in a big treehouse in Eastlake, off the grid and welcomed by neighbors. His home was pioneer grit in a sea of condos. Then the city evicted the so-called 'Squirrelman'' in ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Neptune Theatre movies</b>: Film geeks could spend all day here, with the double bills of arty, classic and foreign movies. (''Casablanca'' seemed to be on a lot). Built in 1921, the theater became a concert venue in 2011. less

<b>Neptune Theatre movies</b>: Film geeks could spend all day here, with the double bills of arty, classic and foreign movies. (''Casablanca'' seemed to be on a lot). Built in 1921, the theater became a ... more

Photo: aturkus, Creative Common Flickr

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<b>Ivar's Fourth of July at Elliott Bay</b>: Seattle was always spoiled with two great fireworks shows. But Ivar's stopped the Elliott Bay pyrotechnics in 2009, after sponsoring 44 years of ''Fourth of Jul-Ivar's'' festivities. Good thing we still have fireworks on Gas Works. less

<b>Ivar's Fourth of July at Elliott Bay</b>: Seattle was always spoiled with two great fireworks shows. But Ivar's stopped the Elliott Bay pyrotechnics in 2009, after sponsoring 44 years of ''Fourth of ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Frederick & Nelson window displays</b>: They captivated downtown shoppers with classy set designs and live action, which included puppet shows and real reindeer during Christmas.

<b>Frederick & Nelson window displays</b>: They captivated downtown shoppers with classy set designs and live action, which included puppet shows and real reindeer during Christmas.

Photo: 1967 photo via Seattle Municipal Archives

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<b>Seattle book stores</b>: The news that Half Price Books will close in Capitol Hill was a reminder of great book stores that once lived, including <b>Bailey/Coy</b> and <b>All For Kids Books & Music</b> (pictured). And even Barnes & Noble in U Village. All of which makes us happy that Elliott Bay Books is still kicking. less

<b>Seattle book stores</b>: The news that Half Price Books will close in Capitol Hill was a reminder of great book stores that once lived, including <b>Bailey/Coy</b> and <b>All For Kids Books & Music</b> ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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The 20 best crackpot ideas in Seattle

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This post is part of a series of stories on Seattle’s landscape, including:

*The terms “crackpot” and “mad-genius” are generally used endearingly in this post, and not as a disparagement of any perceived state of mind, for if not for local visionaries who forged ahead despite likely doubters, Seattle would not have the Space Needle, floating bridges and baby cupcakes.